Sorry for digging up such an old post, but I think the linked page from the OP deserves a little more love. It brought to mind one of the aspects of "reading" that I didn't realize how much I missed: just seeing a physical book sitting on a shelf.

When I finally switched to ebooks, I remember gleefully donating all my paper books to a local non-profit, thinking that I'd never need to hold a real book ever again. I took down all my shelves and painted the wall with satisfaction. I was happy that I had so much extra room, and would never again have to shift around hundreds of books when rearranging furniture.

But you know, I miss them.

I miss seeing that tangible aspect of my collection. I miss seeing the familiar, well-worn covers. I miss laughing at the books that were literally falling apart from having been read so often over the years. I miss seeing the ridiculous hardbacks that had dozens of little strips of tissue sticking out of the tops because I ran out of paper bookmarks during quote collecting or research projects. I miss just looking at them and feeling a sudden urge to read one simply based on the cover art.

Don't get me wrong, I love the convinience of ebooks -- but I wish I hadn't been so gung-ho in getting rid of the hard copies of them.

I've gotta say, I've never understood the sentimental argument for paper books over ebooks. I was/am always like, what? How can paper be sentimental. Let's be real. It's the STORY that interests you, right?

That being said... I love my bookshelf. And I've found myself wanting to fill it with the books that I know my family enjoys. I think that's what the bookshelf boils down to for me. It's the books everyone's going to read and enjoy and talk about. Even if I do love my Kindle, too.

Sorry for digging up such an old post, but I think the linked page from the OP deserves a little more love. It brought to mind one of the aspects of "reading" that I didn't realize how much I missed: just seeing a physical book sitting on a shelf......... I took down all my shelves and painted the wall with satisfaction. I was happy that I had so much extra room, and would never again have to shift around hundreds of books when rearranging furniture.

But you know, I miss them.
I miss just looking at them and feeling a sudden urge to read one simply based on the cover art.

Don't get me wrong, I love the convinience of ebooks -- but I wish I hadn't been so gung-ho in getting rid of the hard copies of them.

Exer, why don't you just put one or two shelves up? You'll see how fast they fill up; otherwise you'll have this regret......

I've gotta say, I've never understood the sentimental argument for paper books over ebooks. I was/am always like, what? How can paper be sentimental. Let's be real. It's the STORY that interests you, right?

Books can be beautiful objects in themselves, regardless of their content. If you're ever in Dublin, Ireland, go to Trinity College and look at the Book of Kells; it's a stunningly beautiful illuminated manuscript.